Pay A Mortgage Or Pay Rent? Which Is The Smarter Option And How To Tell

Pay A Mortgage Or Pay Rent? Which Is The Smarter Option And How To Tell

Should You Buy or Rent?

You’ve probably heard it before: “Renting is like throwing money away.” And if you’re feeling like you missed the boat when real estate prices were super low and the market in your area has bounced back in a major way, then hearing those words probably stings a bit.

Naturally, we’re big fans of owning your own home here at Homes.com, but that doesn’t mean we think it’s always the best course of action. In reality, the best decision for you will depend on a number of variables. Buying a home is often a prudent decision, and it’s hard to deny the appeal of being able to decorate however you want, or to not worry about what the landlord might say. Then again, there are times when it just makes more sense to rent.

So, are you better off buying or renting? Keep reading to find out.

Advantages of Buying a Home

First, let’s talk about the benefits of purchasing a home.

For starters, buying locks many of your monthly expenses in at a predictable level. Yes, you’ll have the occasional added expense of installing a new dishwasher or repairing a leaky roof, but you’ll never have to worry about your landlord raising the rent. And if you live in a metro where rents are currently skyrocketing, that’s a comforting thought.

Owing a home also offers substantial tax benefits. Unless you’re the proud owner of a pricey mansion, 100% of your mortgage interest can be deducted from your tax obligation each year. In the early years of your mortgage, when a majority of your monthly payment goes toward interest, that’s a big deal. You can also deduct property taxes and some of your closing costs.

Your home can also add a high degree of stability to your investment portfolio. Generally speaking, home values at least keep pace with inflation, and if you buy in a particularly desirable market, you may see substantial gains.

A home purchase can also provide you with an essential financial buffer for retirement. If you manage to pay your home off before you exit the workforce, then you’ll have a relatively affordable place to live out your golden years. And if you need to downsize or pay for assisted living or medical expenses, you’ll have a tangible asset that can be converted into cash flow if the need arises.

Why Renting May Be a Better Choice for You

With all the advantages of purchasing a home, you’d think that it would be a no-brainer, but there are times when renting is a smarter move.

If you’re a free spirit, or you anticipate a career change in the near future, then you might really appreciate the flexibility that renting offers. Selling a home can be a tedious process, especially if you’re in a slower market. If you rent, you can move as soon as your lease is up.

In many markets, renting tends to be less expensive than buying a similar home. As a renter, you don’t have to shell out for HOA fees, repairs, property taxes, or homeowners insurance.

Buying a home is an investment, and it’s usually a good one. But sinking most of your worldly wealth into a single asset may preclude you from investing elsewhere. When you rent, you’re free to invest your extra monthly cash flow into stocks, bonds, index funds… you name it. And if you ever need to access that money, it’s as simple as logging into your investment account or visiting your investment broker.

Tune Out the Hype and Choose What’s Best for You

In the end, the decision to buy or rent is a very personal one.

If you plan to stay in the same place for a long time, and you like the idea of owning your own little piece of your favorite city, then buying might be a better option for you. You won’t have to worry about the rent going up, and you’ll always have a comfy place to call home.

However, renting might be a better option if you’re unsure what the future holds. If you plan on moving in the next few years or are considering a career change that may take you across the country, then you might be better off forgoing the home purchasing process and saving your spare cash for a future down payment.

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Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Copyright Golden Empire MLS, Inc. 2019. IDX information is provided exclusively for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. All data, including all measurements and calculations of area, is obtained from various sources and has not been, and will not be, verified by [OFFICENAME] or MLS. All information should be independently reviewed and verified for accuracy. Properties may or may not be listed by the office/agent presenting the information. Data last updated: 2019-09-14T23:31:49.173.